Written for: Poetic Bloomings2 – July Covid-19 P.A.D. – Day 23
You Say It’s Your Birthday
“Another celebration that has been placed on hold were the obvious birthdays. If there was a birthday for someone near and dear to you, use this opportunity to write them a tribute poem for their special day. Or write about a memory of a birthday from your past. We’ll keep the candles lit for you to blow out.”
Sixteen, chocolate-
colored dress
with attached white
tie, upswept hair,
hoping to look
sophisticated. Famous
ice cream parlor
in Brooklyn–our
gathering place
for my birthday. We
brought a record player
and a bunch of 45s–not
people, records–among
them, Sixteen Candles.
Some friends, some family,
lots of laughter,
and excellent ice cream.
I do not recall most
of my birthdays,
but that one stands
steadfast in my mind.
So too, the age.
purplepeninportland 